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Colorado Rapids

Rapids Add Joe Greenspan to Roster for MLS Games

June 5, 2015 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


Colorado Rapids Signee Joe Greenspan
Colorado Rapids Signee Joe Greenspan
(Colorado Rapids)

Colorado Rapids have announced today that Joe Greenspan has been added to their roster and is eligible to play in MLS games after this weekend.

The 22-year-old, an ensign in the US Navy, was recently given an assignment in the Denver area and, this week, was granted permission to train at Dick's Sporting Goods Park with the team.

Following negotiations between both parties, his position has now been formalized so the six foot six inch center back will be able to play and train with the Rapids this season around the fulfillment of his Naval duties.

"We are delighted to add Joe to our roster," said Paul Bravo, VP of Soccer Operations and Technical Director. "His Naval record as a soccer player is second to none and he'll be a great addition. We'd like to thank the Navy for their assistance throughout this process."

Greenspan is one of the most decorated players in the history of Navy men's soccer, earning All-American honors as both a junior and senior and leading "The Mids" to the school's first NCAA tournament win in 42 years in 2013.

In May, he was awarded the NAAA Sword for Men, which is presented to the man of the graduating class who is considered by the Association's Athletic Council to have personally excelled in men's athletics during his years of varsity competition.

Rapids drafted Greenspan with the 26th overall selection (second round) of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft in January. He has already trained with the team in two spells this season and featured in preseason friendlies against UNLV and San Jose in Las Vegas.

Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni added: "We are very pleased to have Joe with us and it is a nice surprise to get him this early. He is a gentleman and, on the pitch, he has the ability to be one of the best defenders in the League. I'd like to pay credit to our scouting team who identified Joe and everyone who played a part in this process."

The Rapids have been able to add Greenspan to their 28-man roster as the club have designated goalkeeper John Berner to a season-long loan at Charlotte Independence, their USL affiliate team.

Greenspan has been given the number 20 but he is not eligible for selection for the Rocky Mountain Cup game at Real Salt Lake on Sunday, kickoff 3:00 p.m. MT.

Full Name: Joseph Greenspan

Position: Defender

Born: September 12, 1992 (22 years old)

College: U.S. Naval Academy

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 209 pounds

Home town: Westfield, New Jersey

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Colorado Rapids Signee Joe Greenspan
Colorado Rapids Signee Joe Greenspan
   

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